Requisite(s): 66102 Introduction to Earth Systems
This subject is an elective, fully integrated across the two sub-disciplines of environmental geology and groundwater geology. It is designed to complement studies in the natural sciences or to extend studies in geoscientific programs. It explores basic concepts of hydrogeology (effective porosity, hydraulic conductivity of geologic materials, occurrence and flow of water in aquifers and soils, Darcy's Law and regional groundwater systems); groundwater budgets; the unsaturated zone; geoindicators of change; geologic hazards (their recognition and management); elements of aqueous geochemistry and groundwater sampling; pollution and anthropogenic interference with earth systems and the problems that arise; salinity; heavy metals and organics pollution of sediments; recognition of these environmental problems and indicative methods for their control and remediation; water wells, construction of piezometers, water sampling and drinking water standards; micro-organism contamination of groundwater; consideration of a range of topics where society interacts with geoscientific processes (concepts, effects, problems and solutions), and in planning and waste management (effluents, sewerage, flyash and some resource utilisation); alternate forms of energy (geothermal, hot dry rock, landfill gas); tools for landscape evaluation and planning; EIS and aspects of planning policy. Relevant case studies are used for illustration. Students attend two to three all-day excursions to local features. The subject is only offered twice every three years.
Autumn semester, City campus
This subject is offered twice in any three-year period.